question bout blimps
 

just finished my first film, when i was outside used the foam mic cover and the fuzzy over that. whats the concept behind using a blimp and what situations do you use it with or over the other options

Re: question bout blimps
 

A blimp creates a space of still air around the mic. Moving air (wind basically) that blows over the mic tip is what causes the low rumble and noise. creating this area of dead air lowers or eliminates the noise and rumble caused by wind. For additional protection placing a furry over the blimp will further reduce the wind noise in extreme situations.

For most outdoor shoots I have blimp with furry. There is very little difference or loss in sound quality due to the wind protection and you can't control when the wind will come up in the middle of a take. The major disadvantage is that it is larger than just the mic with a foam over it so you're a little further from your subject.

Re: question bout blimps
 

So u don't use them indoors

Re: question bout blimps
 

Not usually, unless there is a fan or some other device creating a breeze. I usually do use some kind of smaller wind screen even in doors. Something like a foam screen or a softie like this:

http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/207238-REG/Rycote_033052_Standard_Hole_Softie_Windscreen.html

It's more for extra protection in case the mic has to moved quickly or a something creates some wind. It's better to take a bit of precaution than to have to do ADR. I don't usually use a blimp indoors because of the size as well as the extra weight. with lower ceilings and cramped spaces that most interior shots require, the possibility of hitting the blimp against something increases. That would ruin the sound on that take. Also, your boom operator will appreciate not having the extra weight.

Re: question bout blimps
 

Also when the weather is windy and you're planning to use your your Blimp outdoors, it's a good idea to pull the Wombat on before you go out.

http://www.rodemic.com/accessories/blimp

To lose shots and stop to install it because the gusts get worse is a pain. The Wombat is included when you buy the Blimp.

If you get caught without the Blimp when the wind gets up, try and work with your shotgun at right angles to the direction the wind is coming from.

btw It was a stroke of marketing genius when Rode named their Blimp the 'Blimp', that name has gone into general usage and audio folklore, see above :)

Cheers.

Re: question bout blimps
 

If this was the tripod forum, there'd be a disclaimer like "* other wind shield brands are available"! <grin>

I use a Rycote S Series now, performance-wise I find it the same as my previous Rode Blimp. It's also more compact, and I find it it a bit more elegant. Plus, I find the Lyre mountings for the mic are much better than the rubber bands in other brands. (i.e. quicker, easier to use, hold the mic more securely... I can also adjust the location of the clips for different lengths of mic without a screwdriver).

No wrestling with medium-sized deceased marsupials needed either!

It's even roughly the same price as the Rode offering, at around £200 in the UK.

Re: question bout blimps
 

Also... :-)
60cm Blimp Windscreen Windjammer Windshield Fur Cover for microphone mic | eBay

Re: question bout blimps
 

I regularly use old and new Rycote covers, rod'e covers, and bought one of those on ebay and my opinion is it is a very poor excuse for a windshield, a VERY daggy 20y.o Rycote is still better than one of those.

Re: question bout blimps
 

I use foam almost all the time even indoors, as mic protection mainly, although it also helps with occasional drafts such as a surprisingly strong draft I once found over a birthday cake with candles.

Blimp only outdoors when I start to hear wind in the mic.

Those Rode Softie thingies are halfway-solutions that give you protection between a foam and a blimp. Personally not my thing, although many people like them if they can't afford a blimp.

Re: question bout blimps
 

The Softies work OK on a 'breezy' day, but when the wind kicks up, a Zepplin type screen is needed. I prefer using the smaller and lighter Softie, but ...

Re: question bout blimps
 

Any solution has to be better than my historical use of Rio walk socks freshly removed from my feet, one shoved inside the other, rolled up in a bunch with a loose floppy end for the sound to get in through.

Worked well but my shoes were very smelly for a while thereafter from sweaty feet.

Re: question bout blimps
 

I trialed mine in front of a 600mm fan going full bore and it cut all wind sound...

Re: question bout blimps
 

But have you compared to to a Rode or Rycote? I do large sporting TV Outside Broadcasts on a weekly basis and the ebay windscreens are "chalk and cheese" compared to others. For a few $$ more you can get MUCH better.

Re: question bout blimps
 

I would absolutely suggest the Rode Blimp. $299 will go a long way and certainly worth it when you're in need. And with the wombat fur over it, you're not going to get any trouble from a strong wind.

Re: question bout blimps
 

I've got a Rode Blimp setup and it has absolutely saved my butt many times. Always bring it with me to a shoot. Yes, even indoor shoots. Another good choice would be the Rycote S-Series Kit.